Mountain Biking - Finnally getting V-brakes..Opinions??

After moving out of Florida to WV and getting back into biking after a 3-4 year period of seldom riding; I need to finally upgrade my 96 Norco Java from cantilever to some V-brakes.

I can get really good deals on Shimano brakes from Cambria online but was wondering if I should look at other brands also.

My wife's bike has some lower level Tektros and they seem to work well. How do Shimano( say Deore or LX level) compare to Avids, Tektro and Sram brakes. Thanks-----------Dave

Oh yeah, I'm on a tight budget.

Avid SD7 couples with Avid Archrivals. These are the best mechanical rim brakes available. Stick to Avid for Vbrakes they are far better than shimano.

Originally posted by math2p14
Stick to Avid for Vbrakes they are far better than shimano.


They are much better than shimano because ________________. I sure liked my parallel push xtr's, they were SWEET.

Avid SD7's all the way. 1 finger braking, cant compete with that.

I think the Archrivals and the XTR V-brakes are probably on par with one another. Both move the pad parallel to the rim and both seem to have the same feel and power. I personally prefer the Avids though. I'm running XTR levers and Archrival 50s on my bike.

my XT V's squeal like a biatch. I wish I had bought the Avids instead.

wait what kind of brake comes before v-brakes???

Originally posted by slickmobster
wait what kind of brake comes before v-brakes???

Older short-arm cantilevers, Shimano M-system, rollercam brakes, U-brakes and other centerpull calipers, sidepull calipers, drum and hub brakes :D... Okay so some of these would require different mounts...

I had really good luck with the XTR v-brakes and levers. But after the experience with my Avid disc brakes, I can't help but recommend Avid's brakes and levers.

Stick to Avid for Vbrakes they are far better than shimano.


How so? My XTR brake/lever setup is amazing in terms of stopping power. No squeal even with the stock pads. I'd recommend them in a second if you are looking for a quality pair of V's. You might alost want to check out a place like Jensonusa.com or performancebike.com or pricepoint.com. They are usually better than cambria in terms of price.

-Moab

xt v-brakes... with stock pads, squeal like nothing i've heard. i'm using new wtb pads, and get much less squeal. how many people have Mavic rims/shimano v-brakes? could be these rims are prone to squeal with shimano.

The SRAM 9 v's are lovely - I strongly recommend them. No squeal, come with cartridge Koolstops as standard and have the best noodles you'll find. I thought the SRAM levers were a little ordinary for the price so run them with Avid levers.

Richard

I like the avid sd7.They work really well.The best i have used(never tried xtr)

I have seen and experienced the parallel push linkage break off during hard braking on the shimaNO's. I guess that is why they offer rebuild kits for that system. However I have had nothing but good experiences with Avid. IMHO Avid is the way to go in linear pull brakes.